The futures market comprises mainly of two players, namely, the hedgers and the speculators. While the former use futures as a safety or protection blanket, the latter is a group of traders who handle the trading accounts of those investing in the futures.
Futures trading can be arisky business that can require guidance and consultancy. Whether you are an individual or a firm, you need to be well-versed with the rules of the game. Futures brokers are always there to help you with advice and help you in matters related to futures trading. A rule of futures trading is that one canonly use those funds that have been termed as risk capital.
We at Cannon Trading help your understanding of the big and small things about futures brokers and trading. Apart from that, we also aid you in making the most out of the market; and, no matter how volatile and risky it is we offer the best advice we possibly can on trading. Under this category of futures broker, we write about the latest and informative articles that you should read to get equipped on the recent events in the futures markets.
What you need to know before the close of the trading week:
By Senior Broker, Mark O’Brien
General:
It will likely be challenging to predict the next stage of the Israel/Hamas war in terms of how broadly it draws in other participants. For now, diplomatic efforts – negotiating for the release of hostages, calls for a cease fire, bringing humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza – have toned down the severity of the fighting. Concurrently, Israel is softening up the opposition by bombing of targets thought to be Hamas military strongholds and the markets are anticipating the launch of a ground war.
Even with the conflict entering its 20th day and seeing how commodities have already reacted in that time, the start of ground fighting and/or a broadening of participants would likely see sharper moves in particular futures contracts, i.e., gains in energies, flight-to-quality upward movement in gold and the Swiss franc and even food-related commodities like wheat. Conversely, equity index futures – U.S. and more broadly – will be vulnerable to draw-downs. Note that the E-mini Nasdaq already fell into correction territory on Wednesday following the latest tech earnings.
Financials:
One instrument at a potential cross-roads – it’s current 6-month / ±$11K per contract decline a dominant catalyst for dragging shares around the world to multi-month lows – is the 10-year T-note futures contract. Its correspondent benchmark yield is hovering at a 15-yr high of 5%. Already vulnerable to information on the pace of the U.S. economy, the conflict uncertainty poses a new agitator to the market.
Crypto:
After trading down to 3-year lows below 15,000 last October, on Tuesday, Bitcoin futures traded through 35,000, a 17-month high, a ±$10,000 move for a Micro Bitcoin futures contract (contract size: 1/50 Bitcoin), a ±$100,000 for the “adult” / Bitcoin futures contract (contract size: 5 Bitcoin).
Softs:
With new all-time highs being set all year – almost weekly – orange juice futures (basis Nov.) are poised to break through $4.00/lb. (contract size: 15,000 lbs, 1 cent = $150), more than double its ±$1.85 levels in January, a ±$32,000 per contract move. Florida orange growers harvested their smallest crop in nearly 90 years, the result of an ill-timed freeze, two hurricanes and the citrus psyllid, a tiny invasive winged insect that has spread citrus greening disease and is laying waste to Florida’s groves.
Trading Futures, Options on Futures, and retail off-exchange foreign currency transactions involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. You should carefully consider whether trading is suitable for you in light of your circumstances, knowledge, and financial resources. You may lose all or more of your initial investment. Opinions, market data, and recommendations are subject to change at any time when it comes to Futures Trading.
This is not a solicitation of any order to buy or sell, but a current market view provided by Cannon Trading Inc. Any statement of facts here in contained are derived from sources believed to be reliable, but are not guaranteed as to accuracy, nor they purport to be complete. No responsibility is assumed with respect to any such statement or with respect to any expression of opinion herein contained. Readers are urged to exercise their own judgement in trading.
Trading Futures, Options on Futures, and retail off-exchange foreign currency transactions involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. You should carefully consider whether trading is suitable for you in light of your circumstances, knowledge, and financial resources. You may lose all or more of your initial investment. Opinions, market data, and recommendations are subject to change at any time when it comes to Futures Trading.
This is not a solicitation of any order to buy or sell, but a current market view provided by Cannon Trading Inc. Any statement of facts here in contained are derived from sources believed to be reliable, but are not guaranteed as to accuracy, nor they purport to be complete. No responsibility is assumed with respect to any such statement or with respect to any expression of opinion herein contained. Readers are urged to exercise their own judgement in trading.
The past two weeks have seen very choppy price action especially in stock indices futures, with sudden and sharp swings from highs and lows.
This contrasts with the smoother and steadier price action we witnessed before the terrible October 7 attack on Israel. As a trader, you need to evaluate the market conditions and the instruments you are trading, and how they respond to geopolitical events and overall market rhythm and price action.
You also need to adapt and be alert to what is changing, because what worked six weeks ago may need some adjustment in order for it to work for the next six weeks. Day trading is challenging, and many times price movement is just noise in a trending or non-trending environment. Some people try to use order flow to get clues and capture a small part of the market, while others trade based on the news and overall market feel.
In my opinion, using counter trend techniques and respecting the VWAP has been more effective in these past two weeks than other methods. Plan your trade, trade your plan!
Ready to start trading futures? Call 1(800)454-9572 and speak to one of our experienced, Series-3 licensed futures brokers and start your futures trading journey with Cannon Trading Company today.
Disclaimer – Trading Futures, Options on Futures, and retail off-exchange foreign currency transactions involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should carefully consider whether trading is suitable for you in light of your circumstances, knowledge, and financial resources. You may lose all or more of your initial investment. Opinions, market data, and recommendations are subject to change at any time.
Trading Futures, Options on Futures, and retail off-exchange foreign currency transactions involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. You should carefully consider whether trading is suitable for you in light of your circumstances, knowledge, and financial resources. You may lose all or more of your initial investment. Opinions, market data, and recommendations are subject to change at any time when it comes to Futures Trading.
This is not a solicitation of any order to buy or sell, but a current market view provided by Cannon Trading Inc. Any statement of facts here in contained are derived from sources believed to be reliable, but are not guaranteed as to accuracy, nor they purport to be complete. No responsibility is assumed with respect to any such statement or with respect to any expression of opinion herein contained. Readers are urged to exercise their own judgement in trading.
The Week Ahead: Earnings, ECB rate Decision, GeoPolitical
By Senior Broker, John Thorpe
The Week ahead barring any new geopolitical tensions as we remain vigilant scanning the actions of many political leaders throughout the globe as genuflection = volatility. Chest thumping aside, Wednesday’s important number is New Home sales.
As for the most anticipated earning reports this week the following is from Barron’s:
In terms of the most anticipated names, here is the calendar for the week:
Existing Home sales released at 9am CDT are expected to report Year over year sales greater than -16%
Watch your blindside and expect more volatility! Plan your trade and trade your plan.
Trading Futures, Options on Futures, and retail off-exchange foreign currency transactions involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. You should carefully consider whether trading is suitable for you in light of your circumstances, knowledge, and financial resources. You may lose all or more of your initial investment. Opinions, market data, and recommendations are subject to change at any time when it comes to Futures Trading.
This is not a solicitation of any order to buy or sell, but a current market view provided by Cannon Trading Inc. Any statement of facts here in contained are derived from sources believed to be reliable, but are not guaranteed as to accuracy, nor they purport to be complete. No responsibility is assumed with respect to any such statement or with respect to any expression of opinion herein contained. Readers are urged to exercise their own judgement in trading.
Trading stock index futures instead of individual stocks is a strategy that offers several advantages to investors and traders. Stock index futures, such as Nasdaq 100 futures, S&P 500 futures, and Dow Jones futures, allow market participants to gain exposure to a broad market index rather than investing in individual stocks. This approach has gained popularity for several reasons, making it an attractive choice for those looking to diversify their portfolios, manage risk, and potentially achieve better results.
Diversification: One of the primary benefits of trading stock index futures is diversification. Instead of investing in a single stock, which can be subject to company-specific risks, trading futures on a stock index provides exposure to a basket of stocks. The Nasdaq 100, S&P 500, and Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are well-known stock indices, and trading futures on these indices allows traders to benefit from the collective performance of multiple companies. This diversification spreads risk and can reduce the impact of negative news or events affecting individual stocks.
Liquidity: Stock index futures are highly liquid, making it easier for traders to enter and exit positions. Liquidity is essential for executing trades at desired prices and minimizing slippage, which can be more challenging when dealing with less liquid individual stocks. The liquidity of index futures also ensures that there are typically tighter bid-ask spreads, reducing transaction costs for traders.
Leverage: Stock index futures often require a smaller capital outlay compared to buying a portfolio of individual stocks. This allows traders to leverage their positions, potentially amplifying their returns. However, it’s important to note that leverage also comes with increased risk, so traders should use it judiciously and be aware of the potential for substantial losses.
Risk Management: Stock index futures are valuable tools for managing risk. They can be used to hedge an existing stock portfolio or to speculate on market movements. For instance, if an investor owns a portfolio of technology stocks and believes there may be a market downturn, they can use Nasdaq futures to hedge their exposure. If the market declines, gains on the futures position can offset losses in the stock portfolio.
Lower Company-Specific Risk: By trading stock index futures, investors can avoid the company-specific risk associated with individual stocks. While stocks can be impacted by events like earnings reports, management changes, or product recalls, these factors have a limited impact on stock index futures. Traders can focus on broader market trends and economic factors when trading futures contracts.
24-Hour Trading: Stock index futures often have extended trading hours, allowing traders to react to global events and news outside regular market hours. This can be advantageous for those who want to stay informed and make trading decisions around the clock.
Transparency and Regulation: Stock index futures are traded on regulated exchanges, providing a high level of transparency and oversight. This can instill confidence in traders, knowing that their transactions are conducted in a well-regulated environment.
In conclusion, trading stock index futures offers several advantages over trading individual stocks. These futures contracts provide diversification, liquidity, leverage, and risk management benefits. They are especially popular for traders looking to gain exposure to broad market indices like the Nasdaq, S&P 500, and Dow Jones. By trading stock index futures, investors can reduce company-specific risk, manage their portfolios more efficiently, and potentially achieve better risk-adjusted returns. However, like any investment, it is essential for traders to understand the complexities and risks associated with futures trading and to employ sound risk management practices.
Ready to start trading futures? Call 1(800)454-9572 and speak to one of our experienced, Series-3 licensed futures brokers and start your futures trading journey with Cannon Trading Company today.
Disclaimer – Trading Futures, Options on Futures, and retail off-exchange foreign currency transactions involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should carefully consider whether trading is suitable for you in light of your circumstances, knowledge, and financial resources. You may lose all or more of your initial investment. Opinions, market data, and recommendations are subject to change at any ti
Trading Futures, Options on Futures, and retail off-exchange foreign currency transactions involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. You should carefully consider whether trading is suitable for you in light of your circumstances, knowledge, and financial resources. You may lose all or more of your initial investment. Opinions, market data, and recommendations are subject to change at any time when it comes to Futures Trading.
This is not a solicitation of any order to buy or sell, but a current market view provided by Cannon Trading Inc. Any statement of facts here in contained are derived from sources believed to be reliable, but are not guaranteed as to accuracy, nor they purport to be complete. No responsibility is assumed with respect to any such statement or with respect to any expression of opinion herein contained. Readers are urged to exercise their own judgement in trading.
The conflict in the Middle East once again demonstrates the potency of geopolitical events in influencing commodities prices – to the degree that they can overpower other conventional fundamentals.
One notable move: on the Sunday, Oct. 7th opening of trading, Dec. gold gapped up ±$16 from its Friday $1845.2 close (and an 11-month intraday low of $1823.50) and today is flirting above $1950 per ounce.
Obviously, the most significant event in the midst of the conflict is the overnight hospital bombing in Gaza. That effectively nullified U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s week-long travels meeting with Arab leaders to try to ease tensions. Cancelled was a summit planned in Jordan on Wednesday between President Biden, King Abdullah II of Jordan, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. All this increases the prospects of a broadening of the participants in the conflict and keeping it the focal point among commodities.
What events like those in the Middle East can also do is amplify market movement established by conventional fundamentals. Futures markets already sensitive to global geopolitical events – energies, precious metals, stock indexes, interest rates in particular – can react excessively in the face of the compounding happenings going on.
Keep this mind in your trading. Be aware of the potential for expanded price ranges and sharper market turns.
Trading Futures, Options on Futures, and retail off-exchange foreign currency transactions involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. You should carefully consider whether trading is suitable for you in light of your circumstances, knowledge, and financial resources. You may lose all or more of your initial investment. Opinions, market data, and recommendations are subject to change at any time when it comes to Futures Trading.
This is not a solicitation of any order to buy or sell, but a current market view provided by Cannon Trading Inc. Any statement of facts here in contained are derived from sources believed to be reliable, but are not guaranteed as to accuracy, nor they purport to be complete. No responsibility is assumed with respect to any such statement or with respect to any expression of opinion herein contained. Readers are urged to exercise their own judgement in trading.
The Week Ahead: Fed Speakers, Housing Permits, Earnings….
By Senior Broker, John Thorpe
This is the last week for Fed policy makers to “Stir the Drink” before the communication’s blackout period that begins at midnight Saturday the 21st and runs through Nov. 2nd. the Rate decision will be announced on Nov. 1 In lieu of that, the Fed Fund futures market has been bouncing around between 80 and 93% probability of a no change decision.
There will be no less than 8 fed speakers for the remainder of this week, Wednesday will be the heavy day with 5 .
Wednesday will also feature Housing starts and permits @ 7:30 CDT, with the Beige Book @ 1PM. Earnings reports will be picking up as well with TSLA reporting after the close on Wednesday with Analysts expect the company’s Q3 2023 revenue to rise 13% year-over-year to $24.3 billion.
However, they project adjusted earnings per share (EPS) to decline by about 30% to $0.73 due to lower margins. NFLX will also be reporting after the close As a group, industry analysts expect Netflix to report third-quarter earnings of $3.49 per share (+12.6% YoY) on revenue of $8.5 billion (+9.0% YoY).
Wednesday should provide plenty of excitement for traders in the Stock Indices , Bonds and precious metals markets.
Thursday brings the Philly Fed and Jobless claims both earmarks for the Fed Folks to watch, ponder and 7;30 CDT is blast off time in the markets for these two numbers. react to. Econoday.com’s consensus is here
Existing Home sales released at 9am CDT are expected to report Year over year sales greater than -16%
Trading Futures, Options on Futures, and retail off-exchange foreign currency transactions involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. You should carefully consider whether trading is suitable for you in light of your circumstances, knowledge, and financial resources. You may lose all or more of your initial investment. Opinions, market data, and recommendations are subject to change at any time when it comes to Futures Trading.
This is not a solicitation of any order to buy or sell, but a current market view provided by Cannon Trading Inc. Any statement of facts here in contained are derived from sources believed to be reliable, but are not guaranteed as to accuracy, nor they purport to be complete. No responsibility is assumed with respect to any such statement or with respect to any expression of opinion herein contained. Readers are urged to exercise their own judgement in trading.
Trading oil futures, particularly crude oil futures, plays a pivotal role in the global energy market and is influenced by a multitude of factors. This article explores the dynamics of trading oil futures in the United States and delves into the impact of Middle East conflicts, with a specific focus on recent events in Israel and Gaza. These geopolitical tensions have far-reaching implications for oil futures, as the Middle East remains a crucial source of crude oil production.
Crude Oil Futures in the USA
Crude oil is a fundamental component of the global economy, and the United States, as one of the largest consumers and producers of oil, is deeply entrenched in the world of oil futures trading. Crude oil futures are standardized contracts that allow traders to buy or sell a specified amount of crude oil at a predetermined price on a future date. In the USA, these futures are primarily traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) under the ticker symbol CL.
The demand for crude oil futures in the USA is driven by various factors, including:
Global Events: Geopolitical events, especially those in oil-producing regions, have a significant impact on oil futures trading. The Middle East, being a major source of oil production, has been a focal point for oil market participants.
Supply Disruptions: The Middle East, particularly the Persian Gulf, is home to some of the world’s largest oil reserves. Ongoing conflicts in the region can disrupt oil production, leading to supply shortages. These disruptions can cause a surge in oil prices, impacting crude oil futures.
Market Sentiment: Even the perception of conflict or potential supply disruptions can drive market sentiment. Traders closely monitor developments in the Middle East, and any escalation of tensions can lead to increased speculation and higher trading volumes in crude oil futures.
OPEC and Non-OPEC Nations: The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and non-OPEC nations in the Middle East play a pivotal role in global oil production. Geopolitical tensions can influence OPEC’s decision-making, leading to production cuts or increases, directly impacting oil futures prices.
Impact of Recent Israel-Gaza Conflict
The Israel-Gaza conflict, a long-standing and deeply rooted conflict in the Middle East, has repeatedly led to fluctuations in oil prices and, consequently, crude oil futures. Recent escalations in the region have had the following effects:
Oil Price Volatility: The Israel-Gaza conflict has added uncertainty to global oil markets, causing crude oil futures to exhibit increased volatility. Traders react to events in the Middle East by adjusting their positions in response to the shifting geopolitical landscape.
Production Risk: Israel is not a major oil producer, but it is geographically close to critical oil transit routes, such as the Suez Canal. Any disruption to these routes can have a domino effect on global oil supply, impacting crude oil futures prices.
Influence on OPEC: The Israel-Gaza conflict can exert pressure on OPEC member nations, some of which are involved in the conflict. Geopolitical considerations, including their economic and political interests, can affect OPEC’s oil production decisions.
Risk Management in Oil Futures Trading
Given the inherent volatility in oil markets, traders in crude oil futures must employ effective risk management strategies. These include:
Diversification: Traders can spread their risk by diversifying their investment portfolio, not focusing solely on crude oil futures. This can mitigate losses during periods of heightened geopolitical tensions.
Stop-Loss Orders: Setting stop-loss orders allows traders to define their maximum acceptable loss. If the market moves against them, the position is automatically closed when the stop-loss level is reached.
Fundamental Analysis: Staying informed about geopolitical events and oil market fundamentals is essential. Traders need to understand how these factors can influence oil futures prices.
Technical Analysis: Utilizing technical analysis tools can help traders identify price trends, entry and exit points, and potential price targets.
Trading crude oil futures in the USA is a complex and dynamic process that is deeply interconnected with global geopolitics. Recent events in the Middle East, especially the Israel-Gaza conflict, highlight the significant influence of geopolitical tensions on oil futures prices. Traders and investors must remain vigilant, stay informed, and employ effective risk management strategies to navigate the ever-changing landscape of crude oil futures trading. As the world continues to rely on oil as a primary energy source, the impact of geopolitical conflicts on oil futures remains a critical consideration in the financial markets.
Ready to start trading futures? Call
1(800)454-9572 and speak to one of our experienced, Series-3 licensed futures brokers and start your futures trading journey at E-Futures.com today.
Trading Futures, Options on Futures, and retail off-exchange foreign currency transactions involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. You should carefully consider whether trading is suitable for you in light of your circumstances, knowledge, and financial resources. You may lose all or more of your initial investment. Opinions, market data, and recommendations are subject to change at any time when it comes to Futures Trading.
This is not a solicitation of any order to buy or sell, but a current market view provided by Cannon Trading Inc. Any statement of facts here in contained are derived from sources believed to be reliable, but are not guaranteed as to accuracy, nor they purport to be complete. No responsibility is assumed with respect to any such statement or with respect to any expression of opinion herein contained. Readers are urged to exercise their own judgement in trading.
All traders will begin with a virtual account of $100,000.00 Your goal: increase the balance to as much as possible by the conclusion of the competition.
Top three traders with the highest P&L balance at the end will get a cash prize.
One winner will be chosen from the remaining participants to receive a cash prize.
The prizes to the winners shall be awarded in the form of a check (or any other form as reasonably determined by StoneX) and sent to the winner within ten business days of receiving the required tax documentation.
As a trader, you will come across many factors that you must consider before entering or exiting the markets. Some of the most important aspects to look for are economic events that can move the markets drastically one way or another.
There are many types of economic events including releases by a governing body, changes in sales or consumption of commodities, and increases in supply and demand. All of these can affect the markets you trade, making it important for you to know how and when these changes are happening.
In this “Trading Around Key Economic Reports” FREE Course you will learn:
Hot market of the week is provided by QT Market Center, A swiss army knife charting package that’s not just for Hedgers, Cooperatives and Farmers alike but also for Spread traders, Swing traders and shorter time frame application for intraday traders with a unique proprietary indicator that can be applied to your specific trading needs.
December Cotton completed its first upside PriceCount objective but to this point has not been able to extend its rally any further. Now, the chart has activated downside counts on the correction lower. The first objective projects a run to the 83.87 area.
PriceCounts – Not about where we’ve been , but where we might be going next!
The PriceCount study is a tool that can help to project the distance of a move in price. The counts are not intended to be an ‘exact’ science but rather offer a target area for the four objectives which are based off the first leg of a move with each subsequent count having a smaller percentage of being achieved. It is normal for the chart to react by correcting or consolidating at an objective and then either resuming its move or reversing trend. Best utilized in conjunction with other technical tools, PriceCounts offer one more way to analyze charts and help to manage your positions and risk. Learn more at www.qtchartoftheday.com
Trading in futures, options, securities, derivatives or OTC products entails significant risks which must be understood prior to trading and may not be appropriate for all investors. Past performance of actual trades or strategies is not necessarily indicative of future results.
Broker’s Trading System of the Week
With algorithmic trading systems becoming more prevalent in portfolio diversification, the following system has been selected as the broker’s choice for this month.
The performance shown above is hypothetical in that the chart represents returns in a model account. The model account rises or falls by the average single contract profit and loss achieved by clients trading actual money pursuant to the listed system’s trading signals on the appropriate dates (client fills), or if no actual client profit or loss available – by the hypothetical single contract profit and loss of trades generated by the system’s trading signals on that day in real time (real‐time) less slippage, or if no real time profit or loss available – by the hypothetical single contract profit and loss of trades generated by running the system logic backwards on back adjusted data. Please read full disclaimer HERE.
Questions about the markets? trading? platforms? technology? trading systems? Get answers with a complimentary, confidential consultation with a Cannon Trading Company series 3 broker.
Would you like to receive daily support & resistance levels?
First Notice (FN), Last trading (LT) Days for the Week: www.mrci.com
This is not a solicitation of any order to buy or sell, but a current market view provided by Cannon Trading Inc. Any statement of facts herein contained are derived from sources believed to be reliable but are not guaranteed as to accuracy, nor they purport to be complete. No responsibility is assumed with respect to any such statement or with respect to any expression of opinion herein contained. Readers are urged to exercise their own judgment in trading.
Good Trading!
Trading Futures, Options on Futures, and retail off-exchange foreign currency transactions involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. You should carefully consider whether trading is suitable for you in light of your circumstances, knowledge, and financial resources. You may lose all or more of your initial investment. Opinions, market data, and recommendations are subject to change at any time.
Trading Futures, Options on Futures, and retail off-exchange foreign currency transactions involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. You should carefully consider whether trading is suitable for you in light of your circumstances, knowledge, and financial resources. You may lose all or more of your initial investment. Opinions, market data, and recommendations are subject to change at any time when it comes to Futures Trading.
This is not a solicitation of any order to buy or sell, but a current market view provided by Cannon Trading Inc. Any statement of facts here in contained are derived from sources believed to be reliable, but are not guaranteed as to accuracy, nor they purport to be complete. No responsibility is assumed with respect to any such statement or with respect to any expression of opinion herein contained. Readers are urged to exercise their own judgement in trading.
RISK DISCLOSURE: Past results are not necessarily indicative of future results. The risk of loss in futures trading can be substantial, carefully consider the inherent risks of such an investment in light of your financial condition.